SMITH COUNTY (KYTX) - A cyclist is in critical condition tonight at ETMC hospital -- after being hit by a car while riding her bike early Sunday along FM 3052 near Troup. Friends said despite having broken bones in her back and a gash on her head -- Janice Terry-Phillips is expected to make a full recovery.

Each weekend, Phillips picks a bike route. Sunday, that route took her down a quite stretch of road.

"A split second of not paying attention to the road is going to change someone's life forever," said friend Rebecca Dickson.

It was on FM 3052 where her peaceful ride was interrupted. She was hit by a car. The impact left her in critical condition.

"I started crying immediately cause it just hit me in the gut -- a sick feeling 'cause at the time they had no word on her condition," said Dickson in reference to learning what happened to her friend.

Dickson said having to wait to find out Terry's conditions was the hardest part.

"When one of us is hurt, it's like your family member, your sister, and we just gather together and that how we stay positive and try to put out positive energy," she said.

When she visited Phillip in the hospital, she was in an out of consciousness, but overall, seemed to be her typical self.

"She's very strong, she has so much energy and so positive."

Being a cyclist, there's always a threat of injury by passing cars.

"In a perfect world, we would be able to ride fine without motorist bothering us."

Although, that perfect world doesn't exist, and accidents like this happen, she says, this tragedy isn't going to keep Terry down. When she's healed she'll be back on the road.